HONOLULU (November 30, 2011) - University of Hawai'i President M.R.C. Greenwood announced today that Jerris R. Hedges has been reappointed to continue serving as the dean of the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa's John A. Burns School of Medicine through December 31, 2016.

"Dr. Hedges' appointment is the key to progress at the medical school and the international recognition that it deserves," said Greenwood.

The recommendation to reappoint Hedges was approved by Greenwood on November 23, 2011, based on the recommendation of UH Mānoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw. Hinshaw informed the UH Board of Regents of Hedges' reappointment during the board's regular meeting, which was held today on the JABSOM campus.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve,” said Hedges, who was first appointed to JABSOM in March 2008.

Since then, Hinshaw noted, the medical school has made dramatic progress towards meeting its strategic goals.

“Dean Hedges is an exemplary leader and accomplished in academics and research for the Mānoa campus," said Hinshaw. "He has truly advanced a critical program for the state, and infused a sense of shared vision and partnerships in areas of academics, research and clinical studies. He has strengthened the school and renewed effective working relationships with critical state, national and international partners in the health industry. He has renewed the strategic vision and plan for the school, and his leadership and direction are critical for its implementation and success. His efforts and contributions have moved the school to new levels--state, national and international. His leadership for all of the health sciences across the campus and Hawai'i will continue to improve the health and well-being of our citizens--now and into the future.

“When Dean Hedges was hired, I charged him with the major goal of securing Liaison Committee on Medical Education accreditation for the medical school," continued Hinshaw. "His leadership brought the school together in a concentrated effort, which also was highly successful. In 2009, JABSOM was awarded a maximum-length eight-year accreditation by LCME.”

Other accomplishments the school has achieved during Hedges' leadership, Hinshaw noted, include:

The renewal and initial receipt of major NIH infrastructure grants such as the RCMI G12, IDeA INBRE, RMATRIX, and three COBRE grants (the maximum that any institution may receive).

Record performance by the 3rd year medical school class on Step 1 of the national licensing examination (United States Medical Licensing Examination)--the sixth consecutive year that JABSOM students have scored above the national average on this important educational benchmark.

A significant increase in UH medical school graduates choosing to do their post-graduate training ("residency training") assignments in Hawai'i--42 percent chose to do at least the first-year of their residency training here in the state of Hawai'i. This is of particular interest in that statistics show that more than 80 percent of UH graduates who choose to do their residency training in Hawai'i will ultimately practice here in the state. JABSOM currently leads the nation in this statistic.

Hedges also led a successful multi-year Internal Giving Campaign within the school that has provided academic support for multiple departments and implemented a sustainable clinical practice plan with a strong affiliation to UH to serve the medical school and local teaching hospitals.

Hinshaw said Hedges’ multi-year appointment would permit him and JABSOM to continue progress on existing initiatives and advance the school's position in the academic and research arena.

Greenwood noted that Hedges has excelled in working cooperatively with the universityʻs partners.

"Under the direction of Dean Hedges, the medical school has collaborated successfully with internal constituents like the UH Cancer Center to maximize research opportunities that will benefit the campus, the state and Hawai'i's health industry," said Greenwood. "The school has also worked with state and private leaders to formulate the state health plan and has developed synergy between the medical students and public health programs.

"Through Dr. Hedges' leadership, the school continues to identify and seek additional revenue streams from practice plans, philanthropic fundraising, support from hospitals, and statewide training, and I am delighted he will continue to contribute his considerable talents to the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawai'i," Greenwood said.